House & Theater District

× Gordlinia grandiflora is a rare and striking hybrid flowering tree or large shrub, created by crossing two members of the tea family (Theaceae) - Franklinia alatamaha and Gordonia lasianthus. This intergeneric hybrid was developed in the southeastern United States to combine the best traits of its parent plants. It features large, fragrant, white camellia-like flowers with golden centers that bloom in late summer to early fall, often when few other trees are in flower. × Gordlinia grandiflora is valued for its fast growth, attractive glossy foliage, and extended blooming period. It thrives in well-drained, acidic soils and performs best in full sun to partial shade.

Blooming from mid summer to early fall, panicle hydrangea gets its name from its large, showy panicles of flowers.  Leaving the dried flowerheads on the plant can add interesting forms and textures to the garden in winter.  Combined with its long bloom time, panicle hydrangea offers nearly year-round interest. Find a variety of cultivars of Hydrangea paniculata as well as other species of Hydrangea in bloom throughout the gardens!  

Deschampsia cespitosa (tufted hair grass) is a cool-season ornamental grass native to much of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Forming neat clumps of fine, arching foliage, it is best known for its airy, cloud-like flower panicles that rise above the leaves in early summer, creating a soft, shimmering effect in the garden. Adaptable to a range of conditions, tufted hair grass performs well in moist soils and tolerates more shade than many ornamental grasses. Its graceful texture provides movement and contrast in mixed plantings, while the seed heads add lasting interest well into the season. In natural settings, it serves as valuable habitat and food for wildlife, making it both an attractive and ecologically beneficial addition to the landscape.

Unlike the typical purple blooms of the species, 'White Swan' features striking white petals surrounding a prominent orange-brown central cone. Blooming from mid to late summer, it attracts a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly gardens. Its sturdy stems and long-lasting flowers also make it a popular choice for cut flower arrangements. Like its wild counterparts, 'White Swan' thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, and it’s drought-tolerant once established. Echinacea has a long history of traditional medicinal use, particularly among Native American tribes, though 'White Swan' is primarily cultivated for its ornamental appeal.

Kirengeshoma palmata is a rare and elegant perennial plant native to the mountainous woodlands of Japan and China. Belonging to the hydrangea family, it thrives in shady, moist environments and is prized for its late-summer blooms and distinctive foliage. Kirengeshoma features maple-like leaves and nodding, waxy, pale yellow flowers that resemble small bells. It is cherished in Japanese gardens for its subtle beauty and its ability to brighten shaded areas when many other plants have finished blooming. 

Jewelweed or spotted touch-me-not, is a vibrant North American wildflower prized for its striking orange, speckled blossoms and its ecological value. Thriving in moist, shaded areas, it attracts hummingbirds and pollinators throughout the summer. One of its most fascinating features is its seed dispersal mechanism.  When the ripe seed pods are touched, they burst open with surprising force, flinging seeds several feet away. This explosive trait not only adds intrigue but also aids in the plant's widespread natural propagation.